NMFS Biological Opinion on U.S. Navy training ... - Govsupport.us

FINAL PROGRAMMATIC BIOLOGICAL OPINION ON U.S. NAVY ACTIVITIES IN THE HAWAII RANGE COMPLEX 2008-2013
activities occurring within 80 nm (148 km) and 72 hours prior to the USE event.
Information not initially available regarding the 80 nm (148 km), 72 hour period prior to
the event will be provided as soon as it becomes available. The Navy will provide <strong>NMFS</strong>
investigative teams with additional relevant unclassified information as requested, if
available.
(C)
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) – The Navy and <strong>NMFS</strong> shall develop a MOA, or other
mechanism consistent with federal fiscal law requirements (and all other applicable laws),
that will establish a framework whereby the Navy can (and provide the Navy examples of
how they can best) assist <strong>NMFS</strong> with stranding investigations in certain circumstances.
2 Mitigation for IEER - The following are protective measures for use with Extended Echo Ranging/Improved
Extended Echo Ranging (EER/IEER) given an explosive source generates the acoustic wave used in this
sonobuoy.
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Crews shall conduct aerial visual reconnaissance of the drop area prior to laying their intended
sonobuoy pattern. This search should be conducted below 500 yards (457 m) at a slow speed, if
operationally feasible and weather conditions permit. In dual aircraft training activities, crews are
allowed to conduct coordinated area clearances.
Crews shall conduct a minimum of 30 minutes of visual and acoustic monitoring of the search area
prior to commanding the first post detonation. This 30-minute observation period may include
pattern deployment time.
For any part of the briefed pattern where a post (source/receiver sonobuoy pair) will be deployed
within 1,000 yards (914 m) of observed marine mammal activity, the Navy shall deploy the
receiver ONLY and monitor while conducting a visual search. When marine mammals are no
longer detected within 1,000 yards (914 m) of the intended post position, co-locate the explosive
source sonobuoy (AN/SSQ-110A) (source) with the receiver.
When able, crews will conduct continuous visual and aural monitoring of marine mammal activity.
This is to include monitoring of own-aircraft sensors from first sensor placement to checking off
station and out of communication range of these sensors.
Aural Detection: If the presence of marine mammals is detected aurally, then that shall cue the
aircrew to increase the diligence of their visual surveillance. Subsequently, if no marine mammals
are visually detected, then the crew may continue multi-static active search.
Visual Detection:
(A)
If marine mammals are visually detected within 1,000 yards (914 m) of the explosive
source sonobuoy (AN/SSQ-110A) intended for use, then that payload shall not be
detonated. Aircrews may utilize this post once the marine mammals have not been resighted
for 30 minutes, or are observed to have moved outside the 1,000 yards (914 m)
safety buffer.
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